Croner 'Cade 2 (re-done)

[yo1dog]

Re-did the look and feel of the cab. Still messing with the colors.

Here is the original Post:

Still going to be a while before I can get this built... I was just about to start when I quit my job. Simple could not work there any longer. Anyway, I have made some pretty significant improvements from version 1. Still 2 players but with MUCH more room. Also added a 4-way joystick.

...

And some images (Click to enlarge)


-

[mgb]

I think it's a pretty cool design. definitely original in it's lines.
Any thoughts on rounding the control panel a little?

[yo1dog]

The whole design is based around 45 degree angles. So a rounded corner defiantly goes against that. There is T-molding around the edges, however.

[TopJimmyCooks]

Really cool.  I like the wardrobe opening in the back.  you have a CRT monitor in mind that fits the depth available? 

The oak plywood stained is a great finish.  looks like it's pushing you to 3 sheets of ply though, with the veneer on one side only.  Did you see the black oak melamine used by Coolin:

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=112713.0

He got it in the UK but I think the same thing is available for the US.  finished on both sides.  might save you a sheet and some staining.  He said it was like melamine to work though, easy to chip.

[yo1dog]

I could jam everything into 2 sheets but that would cause so much extra work for me. I feel it is worth the extra $40 for the 3rd sheet.

Thanks for the link. That does look quite nice. Also thinking about a black lacquer finish, though, I have no idea how hard any of these finishes are to accomplish.

[TopJimmyCooks]

ebony stained white or red oak will be way, way easier than piano black.  The only person I've seen get that highly reflective finish in an arcade context is Ond.  He's put a huge amount of time in and he's willing to step backwards if needed to fix something that's not coming out right. 

I would get a small can of minwax ebony and try a test panel on oak ply.  I have stained ebony and have had a hard time getting a uniform stain, esp. over a wide, flat area.  sanding sealer helped but make sure the products you're using are compatible/recommended together. 

[Rando]

I understand the concept, but that's a lot of jagged edges.  Looks cool, but I and my wife (moreso my wife) would totally injure ourselves on that cab, those side triangles scare me.  Also see a few kid heads tagging the corners of that control panel.

[yotsuya]

It's cool you're doing something different, but it's a bit too angular for my tastes.

[yo1dog]

I understand the concept, but that's a lot of jagged edges.  Looks cool, but I and my wife (moreso my wife) would totally injure ourselves on that cab, those side triangles scare me.  Also see a few kid heads tagging the corners of that control panel.

T-molding covers the edges of the cab. Although still sharp-ish I don't think it will pose a problem at all. No kids to worry about here and my woman does what I say . Thank goodness

[leapinlew]

Good luck!

[yo1dog]

I have been reading up on more ways to get a black finish. I recently came across "Aniline Dye" and was wondering what you all think of it.

Thanks,
 - Mike

[Donkbaca]

Best way to get a black finish would be to just paint the thing a gloss black.  I think staining is going to be a no-go on this thing because of all the angles, unless you stain it before you put it together, then you risk marring the finish in the assembly process.  How are you fastening it together?  Also, the minwax stains NEVER come out half as dark as they look on the can or the samples.  I don't know much about the dyes though.  Don't you have to spray those on?

Looks a little top heavy to me.  I t just looks out of proportion with the top being so bulky compared to the base.

What is the point of the triangles?

I say paint it, I think it would look better painted than stained anyway because of the design.

Also, t-molding is going to be a pain to put on because of the angles.

interesting though.  I will definitely follow this build

[jimmy2x2x]

Interesting design!

The footprint does look a little small for all that weight at the top.

Also, the left player looks to have a very awkward view of the screen.

Good Luck!

[Donkbaca]

I have a laser graved, edge lit marquee.  I think it looks cool.  Tried to do 2 colors, but it didn't turn out as great as I wanted to because one of the colors, yellow, just wasn't bright enough.  The other color, red, looks great though. 

I applied tint to my screen plexi and to my marquee.  So when its off its completely black.  Looks neat.  I'll post a picture later. 

[yo1dog]

Brand new design... see top